The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Central Government to ensure suitable accommodation is provided within three months to the officials of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan issued the directive after senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh informed the court that the chairperson and members of the CAQM were facing significant challenges in securing proper residential accommodation in Delhi.
“We are conscious that a lot of government officials find it difficult to find accommodation in Delhi. We issue direction to the Union of India to provide suitable accommodation to the officers of CAQM within three months,” the bench stated in its order.
The CAQM was established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, which came into force on April 13, 2021. The commission plays a key role in monitoring and improving air quality in the NCR and surrounding regions.
The statutory body is tasked with ensuring coordinated action among various state and central agencies, conducting research, identifying sources of pollution, and recommending policy measures. It is also empowered to issue directions and entertain complaints related to air pollution in the region.
The court’s direction comes amid growing concerns over persistent air quality issues in the NCR, especially during the winter months when pollution levels typically spike. The provision of housing for CAQM officials is expected to facilitate more effective and sustained engagement on ground-level air quality challenges.
